Trump Ally US Lawmaker: "Korea Zinc Hostile M&A Also Threatens US Security"

"China's Control Over Critical Mineral Supply Chains Could Be Further Strengthened"

A U.S. federal congressman known as an associate of President Donald Trump is reported to have sent a letter to the Department of Commerce urging attention to the management dispute at Korea Zinc.

Jack Nunn, a member of the U.S. House of Representatives' Special Committee on the Strategic Competition between the U.S. and China (Republican), on the 21st revealed on his X (formerly Twitter) account a letter he sent to Diane Farrell, Deputy Secretary of Commerce.

Jack Nun, a member of the House of Representatives, sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Commerce. Jack Nun, a member of the House of Representatives, X capture

In the letter, Congressman Nunn claimed, "Companies linked to China may attempt to exert influence over Korea Zinc, a global refined zinc producer, through a hostile takeover led by MBK Partners."

He added, "If this happens, China's control over critical mineral supply chains could be further strengthened."

Congressman Nunn also stated, "Korea Zinc holds significant influence within the U.S. through its subsidiaries. Since China has already banned exports of key minerals such as antimony and indium to the U.S., America must respond to China accordingly."

Currently, Korea Zinc is engaged in a management dispute with MBK Partners and Young Poong. The connection between MBK and China surfaced around September last year, when MBK attempted a hostile merger and acquisition (M&A) of Korea Zinc. MBK acquired several Chinese companies including Xianli and Tsinghua Unigroup, and when forming Fund No. 6, it received investments from entities such as China Investment Corporation (CIC). MBK Chairman Kim Byung-joo has also expressed a positive view on China's growth potential.